Guides
Beach Essentials: What We Pack for a South Florida Beach Day
Updated October 12, 2026
Beach days in South Florida are easier with the right gear. This is the short list we actually reach for: shade, sand-proof blankets, water, bug protection and clean-up. Pair it with our dog-friendly beaches guide and our free and cheap things to do guide.
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Sun and shade
- Gorich Beach Tent Sun Shelter, UPF 50+ - Shade you set up yourself, with UPF 50+ protection for the long stretch between lunch and the drive home.
- EMERIT Low Beach Chair with Detachable Umbrella/Canopy - A low chair with its own canopy, so one person gets shade without a tent.
- Overmont Camping Chair with Canopy Shade and 3L Cooler Bag - Canopy shade plus a small cooler bag built into the chair.
- Oversized Camping Chair with Cooler Pockets, 500lb - A roomy, higher-capacity chair with cooler pockets for drinks.
- NPJY Roll-Up Ponytail Straw Sun Visor, Khaki - A roll-up straw visor with a ponytail opening that packs easy.
- Sol Brush SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Powder, Brush-On - A brush-on SPF 50 mineral powder for quick touch-ups.
- JISULIFE Bladeless Neck Fan, 4000mAh, Dark Green - A hands-free, bladeless neck fan for hot afternoons.
Blankets, towels and seating on the sand
- WEKAPO Sandproof Beach Blanket 7x7 - A 7x7 sandproof blanket with room for the whole family.
- Genovega Waterproof Sandproof Beach Blanket, Extra Large, Foldable - An extra large, foldable blanket that is waterproof and sandproof.
- PY SUPER MODE XL Picnic/Beach Blanket, 83x79, Waterproof - A big 83x79 waterproof blanket that works for a picnic or a beach day.
- Turkish Beach Towel 6-Pack, Sand Free, Oversized, Quick Dry - Six oversized, quick-dry, sand-free towels, so everyone gets one.
- 4Monster 4-Pack Quick-Dry Microfiber Travel Towels - Four compact quick-dry towels that fold small in the bag.
- Danmu Beach Towel Clips, 8-Pack - Clips that keep towels and blankets from blowing away.
- Uarzt Sand Coasters / Drink Cup Holders, 5-Pack - Sand coasters that keep drinks upright.
Water, drinks and splash time
- Owala FreeSip Kids Water Bottle - A kid-size bottle for staying hydrated all day.
- REDUCE Kids Tumbler - A kids tumbler for cold drinks on the sand.
- Owala FreeSip Water Bottle, Marshmallow - The adult-size bottle for the grown-ups.
- JOYIN Foldable Beach Bucket Set, 3-Pack with Shovels and Mesh Backpack - Three foldable buckets with shovels and a mesh backpack for the kids' sand play.
- UNO Splash Waterproof Card Game - A waterproof card game that can come along near the water.
- ETENWOLF AIR 3 Air Pump for Inflatables, 2600mAh Battery, Camping Light - A battery-powered pump for floats and inflatables, with a camping light.
- Portable Bluetooth Speaker, IPX5 Waterproof, up to 24H Playtime - A waterproof (IPX5) speaker with long playtime for the beach day.
Bug protection and first aid
- OFF! Picaridin Mosquito Repellent Lotion, 3.8oz - A picaridin lotion for evenings and shady spots.
- Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets, 10-Pack, DEET-Free - DEET-free bracelets, ten in a pack, easy to hand out to the family.
- Moskinto Bug Bite Itch Relief Patches, 42ct - Patches to have on hand after bites.
- Mini First Aid Kit, 150pc, Waterproof Hard Case - A 150-piece first aid kit in a waterproof hard case.
Carrying and clean-up
- Navatiee Collapsible Wagon - A collapsible wagon to haul everything from the car, handy for parks too.
- Fammart Large Mesh Beach Bag with Zipper Pocket - A large mesh bag that lets sand fall out, with a zipper pocket for small items.
- MNZZ Sand Remover Wipe Mitt - A mitt for wiping sand off before the ride home.
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